The Carrera name holds special significance for both TAG Heuer and Porsche, as both brands pay homage to the thrilling yet perilous Carrera Panamericana rally that took place in Mexico during the early 1950s. This grueling 3,000 km race was discontinued in 1954 due to safety issues but saw a revival in 1988 and continues to be held today. In 2024, the automotive world celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Porsche 550 Spyder’s remarkable achievements at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, where it clinched first and second place in the under 1500cc sports car class and secured third and fourth overall. In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 Carrera Panamericana, TAG Heuer has introduced the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana, a watch inspired by the victorious Porsche 550 Spyder and limited to just 255 pieces.
Design Inspired by Racing Heritage
At first glance, the watch features a striking silver, black, and yellow color scheme, directly influenced by the vintage livery of the Porsche 550. The timepiece boasts a 42mm stainless steel case (with a 49.7mm lug-to-lug length and a thickness of 15.1mm), crowned with a domed sapphire “Glassbox” crystal, reminiscent of designs popular in the 1970s and recently revitalized by TAG Heuer. The crystal elegantly extends over the edge to encompass the 60-minute scale on the black flange. The case showcases a mix of brushed and polished finishes, with the engraved “Spyder” logo displayed in the original 1950s Porsche font along the side. Branding is abundant, featuring split “Carrera Panamericana” text on the dial, the TAG Heuer shield positioned below 12 o’clock, and the “Porsche” inscription on the flange, all celebrating this commemorative timepiece.
Dial Details Reflecting Racing Aesthetics
The dial is where TAG Heuer draws heavily from the racing heritage of the Porsche 550 Spyder. Its skeletonized surface mimics the appearance of the car’s wheels, while the shimmering dial plate echoes the vehicle’s sleek bodywork. Grained black details symbolize the road asphalt, and the trio of yellow lacquered hands—positioned at the center, on the chronograph minute counter at 3 o’clock, and the chronograph hour counter at 9 o’clock—reflect the number 55 stickers that adorned the race car. Twelve luminescent plots near the polished rhodium-plated applied indexes are also yellow, adding to the theme. The tourbillon prominently occupies the 6 o’clock position.
Powerful Movement and Features
This exquisite watch is powered by TAG Heuer’s in-house COSC-certified Caliber TH20-09 tourbillon movement, featuring a 65-hour power reserve and a frequency rate of 28,800 beats per hour. Portions of the snail-brushed movement plate and tourbillon escapement are visible through the dial, with a more comprehensive view available through the sapphire caseback. True to TAG Heuer x Porsche’s tradition, this new model includes a rotor inspired by a steering wheel. The caseback is also engraved with the watch’s individual number from the limited run of 255 pieces, a tribute to the iconic number 55 that adorned the Porsche 550 Spyder during its successful campaign in the 1954 race.
Comfort Meets Style
Fitted with a black perforated calfskin leather strap, the watch features a striking yellow lining that peeks through the sides and top. A brushed and polished stainless steel folding clasp, equipped with double safety push-buttons, secures the strap.
While the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana is undeniably a stylish and sporty automotive-inspired timepiece, it may come off as excessively branded for some, much like a race car itself. This reflects the collaborative nature of the project. Retailing at CHF 35,000, it represents nearly half the cost of an entry-level Porsche. As is customary, Porsche and TAG Heuer will unveil a one-off Carrera Panamericana Special during the upcoming event.
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